FORUMHARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL’S AWARD WINNING QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER CLOSER TO THE COMMUNITY

JUNE 2015 - ISSUE 153

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

NEW TOWN AND DEPUTY MAYOR page 2

VOLUNTEER FOR HARPENDEN page 4

WILDLIFE WATCH page 5

• Charity Cheque and Presentation • Transitions • Harpenden Arrows NEW TOWN MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR Harpenden’s Town Mayor for 2015/16 the commemoration of the First World is Councillor Brian Ellis. After a degree War, including a memorial to Private in engineering at Loughborough, Brian Edward Warner VC of St. Albans. joined the international staff of HSBC He completed an MA in First World War and worked in Hong Kong. Subsequently Studies at Birmingham in 2010. Apart working for large banks in the City of from his Council work, Brian is active London, including 15 years at Citigroup in the community as a Board Member where he specialised in the insurance and of a Housing Association, Chairman reinsurance sector. This required extensive of a housing charity and as a Justice of travel to the United States, Bermuda and the Peace. Continental Europe. This year Brian has chosen to support Brian has lived in Harpenden for 30 years two local charities: The Harpenden and is married with two adult children, Trust and The Southdown Play Areas who attended local schools. He was elected Trust. The Harpenden Trust has been a Harpenden Town Councillor in 2011 in operation for 60 years and helps and was Deputy Mayor in 2014/15. individuals and families in Harpenden Brian was elected a St. Albans District who are suffering hardship, financial or Councillor in 2009 and is the Portfolio otherwise. The Southdown Play Areas daughter here and have lived in Harpenden Holder for Housing and Property Trust is being established this year to raise for nearly 30 years. During that time she Management. This role includes oversight funds to rebuild children’s play areas in has served on many local committees, of the redevelopment of sheltered housing Southdown and is an initiative of the local including ten years as a Governor of into modern extra care facilities - such as community. St Nicholas School. Currently she is Chair Lea Springs in Batford. Also to oversee a Brian is looking forward to his year as of The James Marshall Foundation and a programme of new social housing being Mayor and sees it as an honour and trustee of the Daylight Club, and is keen developed on disused garage sites with a privilege to work for the town of to encourage members of the public to around 100 units in the pipeline. Brian is Harpenden and its people. find out more about both organisations, also engaged on the project to move the Accompanying Councillor Ellis as Deputy which add so much to the life of this town. Museum of St Albans into the old Town Town Mayor is Councillor Nicola Linacre. During her previous two terms on the Hall and to redevelop its current site on Councillor Mrs Linacre is very pleased to Town Council Nicola has served as Town Hatfield Road. have been chosen by her fellow councillors Mayor, and chaired several committees, As a member of the to serve as Deputy Mayor for a third time. including Environment. Nicola is really Armed Forces Community Covenant Nicola, and her husband Tim, moved looking forward to supporting Brian Board, Brian is involved in plans for out from London to raise their son and during his mayoral year.

Sympathetic & professional treatment for

all podiatry/chiropody problems

Clinic appointments & home visits

Tel: 01582 467667

www.headandshort.co.uk/podiatry Clinic at 64b High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2SP

Ken Hodson Local Computer Hardwar e and Software Repairs, Upgrades and Advice for Home and Business Te l. 07974 156743 / 01582 794723 Email [email protected] www. kenhodsoncomputerservices.co.uk •No fix, no fee for all repairs – you have nothing to lose. • Low hourly rate. •Most re pairs carried out in your home, if not the computer will be picked up from and delivered back to you. •Problems with Windows / Applications / Games / Inter net / networks fixed . • Friendly training and instruction available in plain English. •Upgrades of hardwar e and software carried out . •Prevent children viewing inappr opriate inter net sites.

2 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Town Mayor’s Charity Cheque Presentation The Town Mayor, Councillor Mary Maynard, was delighted to present cheques, each in the sum of £2,700 to her nominated charities; Home-Start St Albans City and District and Community Meeting Point Harpenden - Hightown Praetorian and Churches Association at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday 30 March. In total, £5,826 had been raised for the Town Mayor’s charities from charity events, activities and generous donations, with some monies having already been paid direct to the charities. The Town Mayor held a Quiz Night, an Indian Dinner, Christmas Musical Evening and Burns Night during her Mayoral year. The events were most enjoyable as well as being good fundraisers. The Town Mayor commented ‘I would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity. It has been a very busy year for me and it has been wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers in the local community, many of whom are involved in more than one organisation and support many local events. Harpenden has a great community and by working together, sharing ideas and giving of our time so much Jill Rothwell, Chair, Home-Start St Albans City can be achieved.’ and District and Liz Barter, Head of Care and Awards of Merit Support for Hertfordshire, HPCHA (CMPH). Andrew Catton Pam Morris Larry Neal

Each year the Town Council recognises outstanding contributions Mrs Pam Morris - For association with the Harpenden Seniors to the community over many years by presenting Awards of Merit Forum as Vice Chairman, organising a series of Health and to individuals who have been nominated for exceptional work for Wellbeing events at various locations throughout the town and the people and community of Harpenden. The nominees received her voluntary role with the Ambulance Trust User Group and Air their awards at the Annual Town Meeting which was held in Park Ambulance Trust. Hall in March. This year’s award holders were: Mr Larry Neal - For services to the community as a retained fire Mr Andrew Catton - For important service to the community as a fighter for over 30 years and for voluntary service to the Scouting retained fire fighter for over 30 years at Harpenden Fire Station. movement.

We are a doctor-led, industry leading aesthetic practice Winner UK’s Best Skye Medical Aesthetic Clinic Optometrists Anti-wrinkle injections Advanced dermal fillers Independent Optometrists and Contact Lens Practitioners Body contouring Excessive sweating Designer frames & sunglasses Full contact lens service Acne & acne scarring Glaucoma screening Retinal photography Laser hair removal Skin rejuvenation Vision related dyslexia assessments Migraine

Harpenden tel: 01582 712845 Tel 01582 762877 www.skyes.co.uk www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk 1 Bowers Parade, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2SH

Riverbanks_HarpendenTelephone: Forum.indd 01582 1768278 • E-mail: [email protected]/03/2015 13:22 • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk 3 If you are able to spare an Have you ever hour or two during this year’s wanted to be a News in brief Harpenden Poppy Appeal from the 24 October to 7 November Volunteer but to collect at the Railway Station, didn’t know how & at the beginning of September, supermarkets or in the Town to go about it? that will see new patients & Centre to enable us to continue investigate them all in one with this care and support we Thanks to a new organisation morning/afternoon. Thereby called ‘Volunteer for Harpenden’ University would love to hear from you. giving the patients clear direction you can now go to a single Hospital Event Please contact the local Poppy by the end of the session. We are website and find out all there is Appeal Honorary Organiser Update developing a purpose built to know about volunteering in Since becoming a Foundation clinic for this purpose at a cost Rosemary Crofts on Tel: Harpenden. Trust in 2006 teams from the of £700K, and will be one of 07983 429771 or email: rose. Lots of people of all ages and Luton & Dunstable University only a handful of hospitals in [email protected] interests want to help but find Hospital (L & D) have visited the country offering this service. “Live on – To the memory of the the process a little bit daunting. numerous towns and villages 2) Laser Prostatectomy service fallen and the future of the living” Who can I help? What experience in both Hertfordshire & (HoLEP). A service recently do I need? How do I make Bedfordshire with the aim of set up with a proven excellent contact? Will I enjoy the work? meeting local people to ask their outcome. Mr Saleemi’s colleague Cancer Questions like these are all views on how they consider Dr Farooq Khan will elaborate Research needs important in the quest to healthcare services should be on this service at this event. find what’s best for you and delivered in their area. 3) Transperineal Template volunteers! the charity you want to help. In 2014 the L & D Hospital Biopsies of the Prostate. A new Cancer Research desperately needs That’s why this new service celebrated 75 years of ‘caring for technique to diagnose prostate volunteers for their Harpenden has been established here in local people’. Of course, with the cancer. We have been very house to house collection from Harpenden with the backing of over 20 local charities. These various extensions and changes fortunate to secure funding the 12 June to 3 July. If you voluntary organisations cover a to accommodate ever increasing from a local Trust to enable could spare an hour to collect in purchase of this new equipment your road please contact Christine wide spectrum of activity offering patient numbers, the hospital volunteers the opportunity to use now looks very different from which allows a much more Ferguson on Tel: 01582 765210 thorough sampling of the many different skills in varying 75 years ago, but we are currently locations with flexible hours and prostate. Mr Saleemi will discuss working on a massive hospital seasonal or regular opportunities the incredible developments in Classics on the re-development programme that to suit your availability. will ensure we can look after the patient care in recent years and Common the advancements that have Now you can save time and local population for the next 75 This year’s classic car show on been made in the diagnostic and effort by approaching us to years and become the ‘preferred’ Harpenden Common is on treatment procedures which the find a solution to becoming a hospital of the future. Wednesday, 22 July. volunteer. Just go to the website hospital is currently developing. On Monday 28 September Harpenden Village Rotary Club, www.volunteerforharpenden.org. We do hope you can join us on 2015 we will be visiting the the organisers of this charity uk and explore all the exciting Fowden Hall at Rothamsted, the 28 September (6.30pm for opportunities 7.00pm start) – all are welcome. event, suggest that residents West Common when there should, if possible, avoid using is an opportunity to meet the If you have any queries about this the Harpenden to St Albans road Citizens Advice L&D’s new chairman, Mr Simon event, would like to register your (A1081) between 2.00pm and Linnett. He will be joined by interest in attending, or would Bureau dusk as there will be considerable Dr Christopher Travill who like information about any of the The Harpenden office located on congestion with classic vehicles joined the hospital way back in L&D’s community events the First Floor of the Town Hall 1992 as their very first specialist please email: entering and leaving the Common in Leyton Road, Harpenden is Cardiologist at the opening of the [email protected]; opposite the Silver Cup public now open for free independent then new Coronary Care Unit. house. As usual, there will be no advice on Monday and Thursday 10.00am – 1.00pm. Tel: 03444 Dr Travill will talk about how entry charge for the public but, 111 444 or Tel: 0300 3300 650 Cardiology services at the hospital The Royal British in return for the chance to enjoy from a mobile. have improved over recent years – Legion Poppy the spectacle of more than 1,000 particularly since the opening of Appeal classic vehicles, motorcycles and scooters, the Rotary Club asks the new Cardiac Centre in 2011 The Poppy Appeal is The Royal Harpenden and which enabled us to provide a British Legion’s biggest fundraiser everyone to donate as generously District Local first class angiography and pacing enabling them to provide practical as possible at any of the collection service, quickly followed in 2014 points. The charities that will History Society care, advice and support to Mounts quarterly exhibitions by a coronary intervention service Serving Members of the Armed benefit most from the money which continually demonstrates raised will be Harpenden in Park Hall, Leyton Road Forces, Veterans of all ages and from 2.30pm – 4.30pm on the excellent patient outcomes. Spotlight on Africa, Herts Action their families. Last year nationally first Saturday of March, June, Mr Asad Saleemi, Consultant The Royal British Legion on Disability, Keech Children’s September and December. Urologist at the L&D will answered over 200,000 calls for Hospice and the Motor Neurone For further information also be attending to talk about help and in Harpenden we have Disease Association. More or membership enquiries three major new developments raised over £25,000 towards the information is available at contact Miss Parrott on in Urology services. 1) A new National target of £40 million to www.classicsonthecommon.com Tel: 01582 764359 or Mr Casey ‘one stop’ clinic- due to start support this help. and www.hvrc.net Tel: 01582 712998.

4 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX OPERATION POLLINATOR In 2014, the UK Government published a draft National Pollinator Strategy to safeguard the future of pollinators and pollination services. The Strategy WILDLIFE WATCH recognises the essential contribution that bees and other insect pollinators make THE RESTORATION OF to food production and the welfare of our environment. A large number of SPINNEY food crops including apples, pears, strawberries, Greenway Spinney is an area of woodland We used the chippings and logs from the raspberries, tomatoes and field beans, as well as between Aldwick Road and Grove laurel to build a woodland path through many wild flowers need visits by insects to transfer Avenue, with its southern edge bounded the spinney, and create a sheltered circle the pollen between plants leading to fertilisation and the production of seeds and fruits. by Green Lane, an ancient right of way. with seating. In the UK there are 1500 pollinator species The remnants of hedgerow on each side of In 2011 and 2012 a grant from Biffa Green Lane can be tentatively dated to the including bumble bees, the honeybee, solitary 15th or 16th Century. Award allowed us to clear the laurel along bees, hoverflies, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies Green Lane, re-plant the hedge, and restore The spinney belongs to St Albans District and moths. All face a number of environmental Council and is a public open space. the wildflower hedge bank. A notice board pressures such as loss of foraging and nesting was also installed. In Victorian times the Spinney was part habitats, pests and diseases, invasive species and of the Aldwickbury estate. The estate In 2013 and 2014 we managed to climate change. boundary, including the Spinney, was eliminate the snowberry at the eastern end The Strategy sets out priority actions for marked by the trees which remain to this and plant a new hedge and trees. Government and others to implement over a 10 day. These are mostly Ash, Oak, Beech, Finally this winter grants from HCC year period. As well as having a focus on farmland, these actions cover the management of towns, Larch and Scots Pine. The mature trees Locality Budget, Harpenden Trust had been managed over the years with any cities and public land. Towns like Harpenden can Community Fund, and SADC enabled us make and are making a very positive contribution diseased or dead trees being removed by to complete the 5 year project. the council, but the eastern end became to the overall aims of Operation Pollinator, but taken over by a dense mass of cherry The remaining laurel was cut down there are always opportunities to achieve more by laurel. These eliminated all other native and another 400 native trees planted the sympathetic management of open spaces and plants and turned Green Lane into a to increase the established mixed copse roadside verges, and encouraging dialogue between gloomy tunnel. The undergrowth at the area. The central glade has been sown the Town Council, conservationists and pollination western end was taken over by snowberry, with wildflower and grass seed to create a specialists of course the general public. another non-native invasive species. summer meadow. The restoration of the HTC and the Harpenden Ecology Group are Greenway Spinney had become a gloomy, hedge along Green Lane has also been working on a plan to tailor the priorities of the threatening place inaccessible to the completed. National Strategy to opportunities available in Harpenden. These opportunities include: community and supporting little wildlife. Greenway Spinney is now attractive open a) being signed up to the Higher Level Stewardship In 2009 a group of local residents decided woodland, well used by the community to see if the spinney could be regenerated Scheme administered by Natural England for the and Grove Infant and Nursery Schools. hayfield areas on the Common (these are only as native woodland for the local The improved range of native plants and community and for wildlife. St Albans cut once a year) habitats for wildlife has been recognised b) working with the Sports Turf Research Institute District Council and Countryside by Natural England who gave approval Management Services were very helpful (STRI) and the sports clubs on the Common to with guidance and training, so Friends of to designate Greenway Spinney as a Local ensure pesticide use is safe and appropriate. Greenway Spinney was duly constituted Nature Reserve. Legal procedures have c) working with Batford Springs Volunteers to with the following aims: now been completed so we now have a improve the nature reserve and meadow area at second Nature Reserve in Harpenden – Batford a) restore the diversity of trees and plants Greenway Spinney – a partner for Batford d) working with Herts & Middlessex Wildlife Trust by a planned programme of selective Springs. in managing the Common and implementing clearance of invasive species and projects for the Upper Lea Valley Catchment re-planting with native species During the five years of the project our volunteers have worked over 1400 man Plan. b) restore the ancient hedge along the e) working with the allotment societies to allow a green lane hours clearing bramble and snowberry, planting over 1500 hedge plants and trees meadow to be planted and bees to be kept on c) create an improved range of wildlife suitable sites. habitats and creating wildflower and meadow areas. The task now is to manage the newly f) influencing the approach taken by the d) maintain public access Harpenden in Bloom working party to consider created areas, whilst maintaining a balance sympathetic planting regimes promoting the use Committee members formulated a five year between enjoyment by people and the of pollinators in the Town Centre plan to return the spinney to woodland with needs of wildlife to have secure habitats. largely native species. Work actually started Friends of Greenway Spinney will So, how can you help? in 2010 with clearance of about one third continue to manage the Nature Reserve Gardens collectively make up a large acreage of land of the laurel trees by SADC contractors, and are scattered throughout the town ensuring the and the planting of 400 native hedge/tree and if you wish to be involved send an spatial continuity of food resources for pollinators. plants by our volunteers in their place. e-mail to [email protected] There are many sources of advice on choosing These plants have now grown into a healthy More information is on our Facebook pollinator-friendly plants, including comprehensive mixed copse of hazel, hawthorn, hornbeam, page at www.facebook.com and search for recommendations provided on the website of the yew, holly, cherry and field maple. Friends of Greenway Spinney. Royal Horticultural Society (www.rhs.org.uk)

Telephone: 01582 768278 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk 5 TRANSITION ST ALBANS – THERMAL IMAGING Transition St Albans (TSA) was delighted fitting draught excluders on front doors; to gain a grant from Herts County all of these being actions that are likely to Councillor Teresa Heritage to purchase reduce the respective householders’ energy a Thermal Imaging Camera for use by bills and cut their carbon footprint. Harpenden residents to assess the energy The Thermal Imaging Camera will be efficiency of their homes. available again for residents to borrow In March, TSA held an information this coming winter. Prior to borrowing evening and training session at Park Hall. the camera, residents need to attend The event was opened by Harpenden a free training session. One session • Sunday 12 July: Open Food Garden, Town Mayor, Councillor Mary Maynard. has already been planned for Thursday 3.00-5.00pm, 80 Beaumont Avenue, 26 November as part of the Sustainable At the event, attendees learnt how to use the St Albans. St Albans Week 21-28 November 2015. camera and over the following weeks most Further dates will be posted on the TSA • Wednesday 15 July: Summer party/ of those present borrowed the camera from website http://transitionstalbans.org/ AGM, St Albans, 7.30pm Lesley Flowers and Andrew Allen (both and will also be advertised in the TSA • 21-28 November: Sustainable St Albans TSA members based in Harpenden) to newsletter. Week work out where they were losing heat from their houses. The aim of using the camera Transition St Albans also has an exciting • Thursday 26 November: Thermal is to highlight awareness about energy series of events planned for 2015 including: Imaging Camera event, 7.30pm, efficiency and to stimulate households to • Saturday 6 June: Open Food Garden, Park Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden become more energy efficient, reducing 3.00-5.00pm, 23 Gresford Close, St To find out more about these events and carbon emissions. Feedback from residents Albans. Transition St Albans see who borrowed the camera was very positive; • Thursday 18 June: Clean Bin Project http://transitionstalbans.org/. HARPENDEN ARMED FORCES DAY amongst the actions planned in the twelve Film & discussion, 7.30pm, Park Hall, To receive TSA’s monthly months were insulating garage doors, Leyton Road, Harpenden (cost £5 and newsletter email Date: Saturday 27 June re-sealing windows, re-aligning doors and £1 for concessions) [email protected] Time: 11:30 – 17:00 ST ALBANS & HARPENDEN HARPENDEN Where: Harpenden Common FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL FARMERS The Festival takes place from 23 September to 5 October, and nominations for this year’s awards are now open! Find out more MARKET and nominate here: www.enjoystalbans.com 10.00am to 2.00pm This year Harpenden will be holding their own Food and Drink Festival day on Sunday 27 September. The event will run in Sunday 28 June Sunday 25 conjunction with the monthly Farmers Market and a more detailed Sunday 26 July October plan of the day will feature in the September issue of Forum. Sunday 23 August Sunday 22 For further details please contact Events at Harpenden Town Council on Tel: 01582 768278 or Sunday 27 November – Email: [email protected] September 12 noon – 6.00pm

6 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX ARMED FORCES DAY SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

HARPENDEN ARMED FORCES DAY Date: Saturday 27 June Time: 11:30 – 17:00 Where: Harpenden Common WHAT’S GOING ON: GUESTS: * Climbing wall * Band Of the Honourable * Assault course Artillery Company * Radio Control Model * 3 Royal Anglian Ships * 678 Sqn Army Air Corps * Battle on the Common * Harpenden Pipe Band * Military vehicles * Luton Male Voice Choir * BBQ at The British Legion * Harpenden Fire Brigade * Tug of War Challenge * D-DAY landing’s * Cadet Displays * Flight Simulator & Much Much More...

795 Sqn Air Cadets * Army Cadets * Marines Sea Cadets * Police Cadets

Telephone: 01582 768278 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk 7 8 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX Telephone: 01582 768278 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk 9 HARPENDEN SPORTS

HARPENDEN ARROWS Whether you are just looking to start running road head torch runs to make a change from our first club ‘race’ inviting fellow runners regularly, training for a specific race or want the pavements. In the summer months, from Dunstable Road Runners. The event to get fitter, then Harpenden Arrows running outdoor circuit classes are organised when the proved to be a huge success followed by a club could be the answer: there’s always weather permits. social with tea and cake! something going on. We encourage members to take part in events Our social activities (apart from cake) include Harpenden Arrows, founded by Colin and competitions from 5k Park Runs to pub lunches after local events, drinks/meal Wareham, Anita Burrows and Amy marathons and sorts of things in between. at The Engineer after our club 5k, summer Whidburn in 2007, has now grown to over Although it’s not compulsory, you will often BBQ, Christmas party and impromptu 180 members, meeting every Tuesday and see a good Arrows turnout at local races celebrations. Partners are also welcome. Thursday whatever the weather, at 7.20pm at including the 10k and For a nominal annual fee (£20) members St Georges’ Sports Centre on Sun Lane. Herts 10k; last year we had 60 members race receive a host of benefits including: Our members vary from social runners to the in the Herts 10k alone. The club often picks • Training with the club on Tuesdays and highly competitive and we cover all ages. Our up a few individual or team prizes and can Thursdays. ethos is to enjoy running and to provide a fun regularly be seen in the Herts Advertiser race reports. We also have two club schemes to • Having the option to push yourself in a and friendly place where, whatever your level, variety of hill and speed training sessions. you won’t feel out of place and where we recognise and reward achievements - the Club celebrate everyone’s personal achievements. Standards and the Club League - and we • Making lots of new friends and enjoying club social events. On club nights, our numbers can vary greatly organise a monthly handicap 5k race for club from about a dozen to 40 people with a range members. • Entry into the Club League and Club of abilities; from new runners right through Once a year, we organise an ‘away event’ – Standards (for those that want to be a bit to ultra-marathoners (we even have the odd usually a marathon and other distances (to more competitive). tri-athlete). But don’t worry; all runners will make it more inclusive for members who • Our monthly newsletter, the CaptainSlog be in a group where they will be comfortable don’t want to tackle 26.2 miles). So far we’ve • We occasionally have speakers and coaches as we divide up depending on pace (speed) been to Nice, Amsterdam, Florence, Munich come in to motivate and educate us. and distance. Groups are allocated a run and this year will be visiting Mallorca. And if • A discount (minimum £2) off local and leader who will ensure that everyone stays all this wasn’t enough, we also field teams national races through the club ARC together on the run and gets back safely. in the local cross country league, which affiliation or individual membership of If you are interested in joining, we usually takes place throughout the winter months, EA. ask that you can run for 2 or 3 miles to encouraging new and old members to come • Free entry into the cross country league. start with. All our new members are met along and try something different. This year with a friendly smile and our New Member saw the ladies sweep the board in both the • Cake night on the 3rd Tuesday of the Induction committee member will ensure you A & B team events with many new members month! run with the right group to start with. taking part. If you are interested in joining the To break up the training runs, we also As the club has grown, we have started club why not visit the Arrows website schedule regular optional hill training and managing events and were heavily involved in www.harpendenarrows.co.uk or email speed work sessions and, in the winter, off- the Herts 10k as well as last year organising [email protected] HARPENDEN CRICKET CLUB There will be another exciting summer’s cricket of visiting teams during the week, culminating on the Common with Harpenden Cricket Club with the annual T20 match against the Dragons fielding six teams on a Saturday along with 19 Cricket Club, featuring former pupils of St Colts teams that will play their matches in the George’s School. On Sundays we have one side in evenings during the week. The 1st XI hope to the Chess Valley League and once again welcome go one step further from last year when they Minor County Cricket with Hertfordshire were runners up in the inaugural Saracens playing a 3 day championship match against Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League and the 2nd XI will look to build on winning their Northumberland starting on Sunday 5 July. division last year. The 3rd XI secured promotion So, if you want to enjoy both some cricket while the remaining sides will look to continue and refreshments come along to the Common the good work of developing our young players. whenever you see cricket being played. For further Cricket week will be held from Saturday 1 August information about the club contact Tel: 01582 until Saturday 8 August and will feature a number 763620 or email: [email protected]

10 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL COMMON WALK Join us for a gentle evening stroll around Harpenden Common on Thursday 25 June 2015 to learn more about Harpenden’s largest open space. Meet 6.30pm at Harpenden Common Golf Club car park, Cravells Road. For further information contact Tel: 01582 768278 It is picnic time for the Teddy Bears! The Town Council will be having its annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic in Lydekker Park, off Sun Lane, on Saturday 1 August between 11.00am - 2.00pm HARPENDEN IN BLOOM The park will be alive with Teddy Bears and their small owners, as Tallest Sunflower Competition they will hopefully be making the it’s not too late to enter! most of the sun and the FREE If you are a Harpenden resident aged 11 years or under and would entertainment on offer! like to enter the Tallest Sunflower competition for a sunflower you Come and join the Town Mayor for this family event with have grown in your garden, please contact lots to keep you entertained in Harpenden’s secret garden. [email protected] by Monday 7 Don’t forget your picnic and your teddy bear! September. All entries will be measured and judged after this date. For any further information please contact The person or group that grows the tallest sunflower will be awarded Alexandra Baron on Tel: 01582 463668 or with a certificate from the Town Mayor and a gift voucher at the email: [email protected] annual Harpenden in Bloom prize giving event later in the year.

Telephone: 01582 768278 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk 11 HARPENDEN LIONS HIGHLAND GATHERING A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT - SUNDAY 12 JULY Harpenden Lions Highland Gathering is popular Kids Circle for younger children, programmes in advance at a reduced price a major event for Harpenden. A highly opportunities to make sand art pictures at £4.00 each with PayPal. Programmes enjoyable day out for all the family which and to use a potters’ wheel, face painting can also be bought in one of the many raises many thousands of pounds for and electric Go-karts. local outlets listed below. Programmes charities. This year it will be on Sunday 12 And there’s lots of food and drink too with purchased on the day at the gate will be July in Rothamsted Park Harpenden from beer and cider stalls run by local pubs. full price, £6.00 each. Children under 16 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Adults and children will all enjoy the many are free when accompanied by an adult. Harpenden Lions Highland Gathering is charity and commercial stalls and the For any questions not covered a great day out with a ‘Scottish flavour’ Crafters’ Marquee selling traditional and on the website call the special offering four pipe and drum bands, handmade items. In the ‘Scot’s Corner’ helpline on 0845 833 7426 or highland dancing competitions and there are stalls selling Scottish fine food, e-mail displays as well as solo piping. Plus the clothing and crafts. Kilt wearing and clan [email protected] traditional highland games heavy events associations are also in the Scot’s Corner. including ‘weight over the bar’, ‘tossing A major raffle will take place throughout Locations where advance reduced price the caber’ and ‘putting the stone’. the day. entry programmes can be purchased: The arena events are a major part of That’s not all! Sideshows provide further the day. New for 2015 is a unique entertainment and in addition there is a Harpenden horse display ‘Mane Attraction’ which large classic cars and motorbikes display. • Harpenden Town Council, Town combines an artistic creation of equestrian Major charities that will benefit from Hall, Leyton Road. performance and horsemanship. Two the event are The Bone Cancer Research • Hairline, 117 Southdown Road popular acts will be returning; the Trust, Luton & Dunstable Hospital • News 4U, 1A Station Road. Dog and Duck display and Hawksdrift Dementia Care Project along with • Savills, 2 Station Road. Falconry. charities supported by Lions; many local • Southdown Hardware, There are plenty of amusements for organisations will also benefit. Recent 132 Southdown Road children including a funfair, climbing wall, Gatherings have raised over £18,000. rugby and golf challenges organised by More information, including videos of • Stage Door, 2 Piggottshill Lane Harpenden Rugby Football Club Minis previous Gatherings, is on www.harplions. • Topkins Pharmacy, 6 Station Road and Harpenden Common Golf Club, the com where you can also purchase entry • WHSmith, 29 High Street

12 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX A SMALL SLICE OF HEAVEN Did you know that 97% of of faster growing perennials, MOTOR wild flower meadows have to produce a more open and STORES disappeared since 1945? balance sward beneath. The South Harpenden This second year will not be as Allotments & Gardens visually spectacular, but quietly Society is making a small beautiful as the diversity of Specialist Cars Luton contribution to remedying this the perennial species become by establishing a wild flower established. The early years Specialist Cars are proud sponsors meadow at the Cross Lane should see the pioneering of the Harpenden Carnival. allotment site. We hope it will perennials, such as ox-eye daisy be a little piece of beauty and a and sorrel grow vigorously and wildlife haven in a developing in following years the meadow Your local BMW and MINI Specialists. eco friendly site. should become more diverse, as The land, about half an acre, slower establishing species like www.specialistcars.co.uk had previously been ploughed cowslip appear. by Bill, a past plot holder and It is an exciting, long-term his vintage tractors, but, sadly, project and the character and Bill left and the deeply furrowed composition of the meadow will land became dominated by continue to change with time. ‘rough thistles’, ‘hateful docks’ Eventually a relatively stable (Shakespeare) and couch grass. community should develop, In 2013, with funding from the balance of which will reflect St Albans City & District management, soil fertility and Council Community Grants environmental factors. Fund, help from Harpenden Town Council and work by If you visit the meadow you will Will Dickinson and Atholl also see a new bug hotel and we Harmer, the land was prepared hope to have beehives arriving and sown with a meadow mix this spring. of grasses and flowers. We chose The meadow on the Cross Lane a mix based on the flower Allotment site will be open rich meadows that were once to the public on Sunday 21 widespread in lowland Britain; June from 11.00am – 5.00pm. including eight different grasses Please note that there is no and 17 wild flowers. parking on the site but there is a Last year was our first flowering good eco-loo! season and was spectacular South Harpenden Allotments due to the dominance of an & Gardens Society has annual nurse cover crop of corn several plots available to let, cockles, chamomiles, marigolds, for more information please cornflowers and poppies. contact Tel: 01582 765744, The purpose of this nurse crop email: [email protected] or was to help suppress weed visit our website: growth and moderate the vigour www.shallotments.org.uk

Find local shops, business and community information and special offers at www.harpendendirectory.co.uk Don’t forget to use your Loyalty Card to take advantage of these great offers.

Telephone: 01582 768278 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk 13 SUNDAY 28 JUNE 12pm Protect, —5pm Improve, Promote green spaces

www.loveparks.org @LoveParks_Week Facebook.com/LoveParksWeek LOVE PARKS WEEK FRIDAY 24 JULY TO SUNDAY 2 AUGUST Love Parks is all about loving our parks and green spaces. HARPENDEN

 Duck Race on STORY TIME  Fun Dog Show  Story time sessions will be taking place Great Live Music  Pet Corner with cuties in Harpenden Play Areas. Come along  Fairground Rides & Slides  with your favourite book. Fancy dress Tug o War competition  BBQ, Balti & Donuts is very welcome.  Street Artists

Wednesday 29 July Westfield 11.30am Wednesday 29 July Porters Hill 3.00pm Thursday 30 July Marquis Lane 11.30am Friday 31 July Lydekker Park 11.30am Each story time will last about 30 minutes. For further information please contact Harpenden Town Council on Tel: 01582 463661 ST ALBANS TEA RIDE – CYCLING WITH TEA AND CAKE! The electric bike is a great way to explore the great outdoors. You can enjoy a leisurely day out with friends and family visiting local historical places and seeing the countryside. The electric bike tours can now offer you the opportunity of visiting St Albans and travelling along the Ayot Greenway, with the promise of spectacular views and natural beauty. During the cycle ride, you are encouraged to indulge in your love of cake, as the ride relaxes at Mill Green Mill with a home baked cream tea. Anyone who has ridden a bike before will love this experience and marvel at the electric bike’s ability to whizz up the steep local hills. The rides are every Sunday and start from Mill Green Mill in Hatfield. To find out more about these guided electric bike tours, please telephone 01442 927522 or email [email protected]. With plenty of things to do, see and eat, electric bikes are a great way to experience the outdoors.

ULTIMATE COVERAGE

“First class legal knowledge” Legal 500 We are the only agents The clients’ guide to the best law firms + Our own in the Northern Home LIFE magazine Counties to advertise is delivered to over 139,000 Because experience counts in the Metro! homes A MONTH Telephone: 01582 765111 Selling or Letting? Offices at: Luton, Harpenden & St Albans Est Call Harpenden Office 1974

01582 763222 www.country-properties.co.uk

14 HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL Harpenden Town Council, Town Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 2LX Tel: 01582 768278 Fax: 01582 760026 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk Extra free copies of Forum are available from the Library or the Town Hall.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS HARPENDEN TOWN DISTRICT are held in the Town Hall or Park Hall COUNCILLORS COUNCIL in Leyton Road at 7.30pm. Members of 2015/2016 REPRESENTATIVES the public are very welcome to attend all Town Mayor HARPENDEN NORTH Council meetings. Councillor Brian Ellis Julie Bell Deputy Town Mayor t. 01582 624714 FULL COUNCIL MEETINGS Councillor Mrs Nicola Linacre e. [email protected] Monday 29 June 2015 – NORTH WARD Albert Pawle Georgie Calle t. 01582 620617 Town Hall, Leyton Road See Harpenden Town Council e. [email protected] Monday 28 September 2015 – website for contact details. Geoffrey Turner Town Hall, Leyton Road Pat Kent t. 01582 769882 t. 01582 764161 e. [email protected] For a full list of Council meetings please e. [email protected] see the notice boards in the Town, visit Albert Pawle HARPENDEN EAST the website: www.harpenden.gov.uk or t. 01582 620617 Rosemary Farmer e. [email protected] t. 01582 712076 contact Harpenden Town Council on e. [email protected] Tel: 01582 768278. If you would like to David Williams t. 07733 225464 Mary Maynard raise a question at any Council meeting, e. [email protected] t. 07774 783509 please contact the Town Clerk. SOUTH WARD e. [email protected] Michael Wakely CIRCULATION Rod Cooley See Harpenden Town Council t. 01582 764688 The Forum Newsletter is distributed to website for contact details. e. [email protected] 12,750 homes and businesses throughout Brian Ellis HARPENDEN SOUTH Harpenden. t. 01582 767621 Brian Ellis e. [email protected] t. 01582 767621 TOWN COUNCIL Harry Gilham e. [email protected] If you would like to contribute to the See Harpenden Town Council David Heritage content of the next issue of Forum website for contact details. t. 01582 761014 (September 2015), please write to Heather David Heritage e. [email protected] Scott at the Town Hall at the address below See Harpenden Town Council Teresa Heritage website for contact details. or e-mail: [email protected] t. 07818 580081 EAST WARD by 20 July 2015. e. [email protected] Helen Cash If you wish to raise any matters concerning See Harpenden Town Council HARPENDEN WEST the Harpenden area, this can be done by website for contact details. Daniel Chichester-Miles contacting the Town Hall at the address on Anne James t. c/o 01727 819281 the top of this page. See Harpenden Town Council e. [email protected] Julian Daly The Town Council Office and the website for contact details. t. 01582 715645 Information Point in Leyton Road are Pip Martyn See Harpenden Town Council e. [email protected] open between 10.00am to 4.00pm Monday website for contact details. Michael Weaver to Friday. Tel: 01582 768278. Email: Mary Maynard t. 01582 713128 [email protected] t. 07774 783509 e. [email protected] Interviews with the Town Clerk at other e. [email protected] St Albans District Council times by appointment. WEST WARD t. 01727 866100 Website: www.stalbans.gov.uk Forum Editor: John Bagshaw, Town Clerk. Chris Canfield See Harpenden Town Council COUNTY COUNCIL Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information website for contact details. REPRESENTATIVES in this newsletter was correct at the time of going to print, Daniel Chichester–Miles NORTH EAST the Town Council cannot accept legal responsibility for t. 01582 768278 e. [email protected] David Williams any errors, omissions, nor can they accept responsibility Nicola Linacre t. 07733 225464 for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by e. [email protected] t. 01582 766245 the editorial contributions. e. [email protected] SOUTH WEST Michael Weaver Teresa Heritage t. 01582 713128 t. 07818 580081 e. [email protected] e. [email protected] Telephone: 01582 768278 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.harpenden.gov.uk 15 16 www.harpenden-history.org.uk Tel: 01582760564 or telephone AlanBunting on past. For information further in Harpenden from times events and othercelebratory an exhibitionrecalling carnivals Road thesocietywillbeholding Nearby inPark Hall, Leyton memberstothesociety.new aimed primarilyatattracting Harpenden Carnival event, ofthe the Commonaspart – willhave itsown displayon LOCAL HISTORYSOCIETY HARPENDEN ANDDISTRICT Saturday www.harpenden.gov.uk more. Further detailson dog competition,ferret racingand and drinkstalls,sheepshow, a children’s activities,various food fun fair, bouncyinflatable’s, BBQ, craftstalls, range ofentertainment, until6.00pm.Awide and willrun the wayuptoCricket Pitch from outside thePublic Halls all at 12.30pm. The event willstretch Common ready toopentheevent the High Street whichendsonthe midday withaprocession along Table. FREEtoenter. Starting at Council andHarpenden Round organised by Harpenden Town on theCommonandisjointly This year’s Carnival istobeheld HARPENDEN CARNIVAL Saturday JUNE DON’T MISSATHING! WHAT’S ON IDEAL VENUE FORCHILDREN’SPARTIES/DISCOS, MEETINGS, CHRISTENINGS, DINNER/DANCES, PARK HALL,LEYTONROAD HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL, TOWN HALL, LEYTON ROAD, HARPENDEN, HERTS. AL5 2LX WEDDING RECEPTIONS, NIGHTS, QUIZ SALES, TRADE FAIRS AND ALL OTHER EVENTS The hallincludesafully equippedkitchen, disabled toiletwithbaby changing facilities, stage portable 6 6 For detailsplease contact Harpenden further Town Council on Tel: Email:

[email protected] and private carpark to rear. Fully accessibleto disabled users. 10.00am –6.00pmandSunday Outside Park Hall, Saturday from ART ONTHECOMMON Saturday “The Spy“The Buried inSt Nicholas – talkby Dr John Versey on LOCAL HISTORYSOCIETY HARPENDEN ANDDISTRICT Tuesday 5.00pm. Refreshments available. 5.00pm andSunday -1.00pm– history. Saturday -10.00am– including displaysofitslifeand 50 years intheCommunity” Station Road “Celebrating WEEKEND ALL SAINTSCHURCHOPEN Saturday Roger on Tel: 01582763560. For more informationcontact as well asbeeorchids. we hopetoseepyramidalorchids the sideofRedbourn Lane,where Line, andthechalkyslopeson a beeorchid siteontheNickey this 5 Mile circular walkwillvisit park onRedbourn Common, Starting at10.00amfrom thecar theorchidsview ontwosites. SOCIETY LINE ANDTHEVERVALLEY FRIENDS OFTHENICKEY Sunday books andbricabrac. Plants, cakes andproduce, toys, aid of The Children’s Society. 10.00am -3.00pm.Proceeds in Methodist Church Hall from SPRING FAIR Saturday Research UK. or commissionswillgotoCancer photography.art 20%ofallsales greeting cards, ceramicsandfine including paintings,jewellery, exhibittheirwork Local artists from 11.00am to5.00pm. Churchyard and theDreyfus - Walk onOrchids, 14 –AllSaints Church, 23 6 20 13 -High Street & & Sunday Sunday orweb: AVAILABLE FORHIRE – www.harpenden.gov.uk 7

21 to 5.00pm,offeringpipeand Rothamsted Park from 10.00am Scotland comestoHarpenden! HIGHLAND GATHERING HARPENDEN LIONS Sunday JULY Tel: 01582 768278. more. For detailsplease further vehicles and wall, military inter cadetcompetitions,climbing Cadet displays, Tug of War and British Legion,LeytonRoad. Common outsidetheRoyal 11.30pm –6.00pmonthe ARMED FORCESDAY Saturday www.harpenden-history.org.uk Bunting on Tel: 01582760564or information telephoneAlan Halls at8.00pm. For further Affair” atHarpenden Public Club. Proceeds tocharity. by Harpenden Village Rotary from 2.00pmtodusk,organised show onHarpenden Common – The town’s annualclassiccar CLASSICS ONTHECOMMON Wednesday on Tel: 08458337426 PayPal orcallthe specialhelpline reduced priceat£4.00eachwith programmes inadvance ata you canalsopurchase entry www.harplions.com where More information on painting andelectricGo-karts. andgolfchallenges,face rugby include funfair, climbingwall, the stone’. Other amusements ‘tossing thecaber’ and‘putting including ‘weight over thebar’, highland gamesheavyevents competitions, traditional bands,highlanddancing drum 01582768115 12 27

22

- from - from

-

11.00am –2.00pm. Various Lydekker Park, Sun Lane. TEDDY BEARSPICNIC Saturday AUGUST Tel: 01582 763560fordetails. need tobook.ContactRoger on and wear stout footwear. No crossing on theNickey Line, at theRoundwood Park School the habitat.Meet at10.00am volunteers have beenimproving Wood, where ourworking party will visitthearea alongsideKnott 3 miles,ledby theFriends, we walkofnotmorethis short than numbers ofbutterflies,andon The Nickey Lineattractslarge LINE BUTTERFLYWALK FRIENDS OFTHENICKEY Sunday www.classicsonthecommon.com Refreshmentsavailable. Website: further details further Tel: 01582621757 Halls. welcome.Visitors For very 2.00pm attheHarpenden Public Wellingtons and Women”. At Saunders entitled“Westminster demonstration by Christine DECORATION CLUB HARPENDEN FLORAL Tuesday SEPTEMBER followed by teaandcakes. Community”. At 4.30pm “Celebrating 50years inthe Saints Church, Station Road SONGS OFPRAISE Sunday Tel: 01582 463668. secluded park. For details further and apicnicenjoy this Bringentertained. your teddy activities tokeepthelittleones 26 16 8 1 - All -All – a floral –afloral - -

Designed by Splatt Design. 01442 217589. www.splattdesign.co.uk